Photo credit: Agencies

Delhi on alert: Lashkar-e-Taiba ‘plotting’ IED attack near Red Fort, Chandni Chowk area

An intelligence alert has been issued in Delhi after inputs warned of a possible terror threat near the Red Fort, with sources saying terrorists may target a temple in the Chandni Chowk area and that Pakistan-based outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba is allegedly plotting an IED attack while keeping key religious places on its radar. The inputs also claim the group may be seeking to avenge a February 6 mosque blast in Islamabad, though authorities have not publicly confirmed specific details and security has been tightened at sensitive locations. The alert comes in the backdrop of the November 10 deadly car explosion near Red Fort which killed 15 people. Read full story

PM Modi, Brazil President Lula sign rare earths deal; aim for trade beyond $20 billion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva set a target of raising bilateral trade to $20 billion within five years and signed three agreements on digital partnership, rare earths and mining supply chains after they held talks in New Delhi during the Brazilian leader’s February 18–22 state visit, with PM Modi saying the goal reflects “trust” and stressing expansion of the India–MERCOSUR pact as Brazil remains India’s largest trading partner in Latin America; the leaders also pledged deeper cooperation in emerging technologies, renewable energy and sustainable fuels, while Lula described the engagement as a meeting of two major Global South democracies and called India a “digital superpower.”Read full story

4 Youth Congress workers sent to 5-day custody for ‘shirtless’ protest at the AI Impact Summit

A Delhi court granted five-day police custody of four members of the Indian Youth Congress arrested for staging a shirtless protest inside Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit, after Delhi Police alleged the demonstration was part of a larger conspiracy possibly linked to a protest pattern seen in Nepal and aimed at defaming the country internationally. Police told the court that the accused raised anti-national slogans against the India–US trade deal, wore T-shirts carrying messages targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and injured three policemen during the protest. Read full story

‘Studying all developments’: India reacts after US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs

The government said it is closely studying the developments and implications of the US Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down sweeping global tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, with the commerce ministry noting it has taken cognisance of both the judgment and subsequent steps announced by the US administration. The court, in a 6–3 verdict authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, held the tariffs violated federal law, after which Trump called the decision “terrible” and said he would impose a fresh 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 while keeping existing Section 232 and 301 tariffs in place. He also asserted that the India–US trade deal would remain unaffected. Read full story

Indian-origin executive Asha Sharma named CEO of Microsoft Gaming

Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma, widely said to be of Indian origin, as chief executive of its gaming division, succeeding longtime Xbox head Phil Spencer, who is retiring after nearly four decades and will remain an adviser through summer, as the company faces slowing growth, rising costs and stiff competition in the global gaming market. Sharma will report directly to chairman and CEO Satya Nadella. The leadership change comes as Microsoft Gaming faces multiple pressures. Read full story

India Women capped off a gripping T20I series with a spirited 17-run victory over Australia Women in the third and final match at Adelaide Oval. After electing to bat first, the visitors posted a competitive 176/6 and then delivered a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the hosts to 159/9. With this result, India clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 in what turned out to be a fiercely contested contest between two top sides.

Smriti Mandhana leads from the front with a classy 82

India’s innings was built around a magnificent knock from Smriti Mandhana, who once again proved why she remains the backbone of the batting unit. The elegant left-hander scored 82 off 55 balls, lacing her innings with eight boundaries and three towering sixes. She controlled the tempo brilliantly after Shafali Verma departed early for 7, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum in the powerplay.

Jemimah Rodrigues provided solid support with a fluent 59 off 46 deliveries, rotating the strike efficiently and finding the gaps regularly. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that steadied the innings and set the platform for a strong finish. A late cameo from Richa Ghosh, who smashed 18 off just 7 balls including a six, propelled India to 176/6 at the end of 20 overs.

For Australia, Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/34, while Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux chipped in with a wicket each. However, the hosts struggled to contain Mandhana during the middle overs, which ultimately proved costly.

Indian bowlers hold nerve despite Ashleigh Gardner’s resistance

Chasing 177, Australia Women began aggressively but lost early wickets at crucial intervals. Georgia Voll struck a quick 10, but Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order. Phoebe Litchfield tried to counterattack with 26 off 17 balls, but India’s bowlers maintained tight lines.

Ashleigh Gardner fought valiantly, anchoring the chase with a determined 57 off 45 deliveries, including five fours and a six. She attempted to rebuild the innings and kept Australia in the hunt deep into the final overs. However, lack of substantial partnerships around her hurt the home side.

Shreyanka Patil delivered a match-turning spell, picking up 3/22 in her four overs. Shree Charani also impressed with 3/32, striking at vital moments to derail Australia’s chase. Arundhati Reddy supported well with two wickets, while Renuka Thakur chipped in with one. India’s collective bowling effort ensured Australia were restricted to 159/9, falling short by 17 runs.

Also READ: From 800k to 2.3 million: Lauren Bell opens up on her explosive fan growth after WPL triumph with RCB

Here’s how fans reacted

India take the T20I series and take the lead 4-2 in the multi-format series #AUSvIND 🍿 pic.twitter.com/5efB1cnan7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 21, 2026

Authoritative and match-winning 🫡#TeamIndia Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is the Player of the Match in the 3️⃣rd T20I for her glorious 8⃣2⃣(55) 👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/8PDW83zavH#AUSvIND | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/XvPqQYL8Gg

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 21, 2026

🚨 SMRITI MANDHANA WON THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD Vs AUSTRALIA IN DECIDER 🚨

– The Queen of World Cricket.💥❣️#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8Ot72T3Hc3

— Sunil Chahar (@SunilChahar22) February 21, 2026

The last time Australia Women’s team lost a T20I series in 2017 Ashes vs England.
The last time Australia Women’s team lost a home T20I series in 2016 vs India.

Both of the reigns are broken today.@BCCIWomen defeated Australia 2-1 to clinch a historic series victory.#INDvAUS

— Sports Geeez (@Sportsgeeez) February 21, 2026

Almost after 10 years Ind winning bilateral T20 series against Aus in Aus is something special. So much needed it for my mental health!!!#INDvAUS

— Sakshi Yendhe (@yendhe_sakshi) February 21, 2026

India clinch the T20I series 2-1 with a commanding all-round display. Complete team effort, clinical execution, and a statement win on the road 🔥👏#AUSvIND
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/7zut6nidLG pic.twitter.com/Eh1cPir19H

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 21, 2026

#INDvAUS

Can never get tired of this. pic.twitter.com/AHJC71YR9L

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) February 21, 2026

India Women’s beat Australia Women’s by 1️⃣7️⃣ Runs & Win the Series by 2️⃣-1️⃣
Player of the Match – Smriti Mandhana8️⃣2️⃣ Runs
.#INDvAUS #INDWvsAUSW #T20I pic.twitter.com/VNa8r2lKoX

— Durlabh (@DurlabhDJ) February 21, 2026

A team that can beat Australia away from home months before a T20 World Cup must be considered a favourite for the event. This is a massive win for @BCCIWomen and a major confidence booster. As is often the case, spin does the trick at the business end in women’s T20 #INDvAUS https://t.co/m8cA59jgx7

— Prabhanjan Badami (@PABadami) February 21, 2026

Very well done bowling by shreyanka patil 🔥👏

Crusal over 18 over only give 7 runs and take 1 wicket 👏 #ShreyankaPatil #INDvAUS

AND SHE TAKE 3 WICKETS ✨️ pic.twitter.com/qRMipfRpUt

— Rcb fc ✨️ (@RCBFP24) February 21, 2026

Another great win …which shows the shift in confidence of Indian team in not just competing but winning. #ausvInd #IndvAus https://t.co/vhyIgyBkJ5

— movieman (@movieman777) February 21, 2026

India women team won the bilateral T20I series against Australia for the 2nd time. Both times, it came on Australian shores (2016 & 2026).#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/IIpv8QGqek

— NightWatchMad (@NightWatchMad) February 21, 2026

Also READ: Inoka Ranaweera guides Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over West Indies in 1st Women’s ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday arrived in Haridwar to review the preparations for Kumbh Mela-2027. Upon reaching the Kumbh Mela Control Building (CCR), the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for 34 major infrastructure projects approved by the state government for Kumbh Mela-2027. These permanent development works, with an estimated cost of Rs 234.55 crore, aim to ensure the successful, safe, and well-organised conduct of the Kumbh Mela while also strengthening the long-term development of Haridwar city.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while talking to the media, said, “All preparations are ongoing, and immediately after the 2025 Chardham Yatra concluded, we began preparations for the 2026 Chardham Yatra, and several rounds of meetings have already been held. We are also meeting with stakeholders regularly, taking suggestions from all those involved in organising the yatra.”He further said, “This time, the yatra is being held a little earlier. The doors are set to open in April, when schools are closed, and there’s a lot of footfall. Therefore, all arrangements are being made to ensure that visitors have a positive yatra experience…A review meeting was held today for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, and the foundation stone was laid for projects worth approximately two hundred and fifty crore rupees.”“All work should be completed on time. All arrangements for the Kumbh should be well-organised, and everyone should participate. All departments should work in coordination with each other,” Dhami added.Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar next year, extensive preparations are being undertaken by the Mela administration to ensure the convenience, safety, and smooth movement of devotees arriving from different parts of the country.Considering the likelihood of a large influx of pilgrims via railways during the Kumbh Mela, ground-level efforts have been intensified to provide additional facilities and necessary arrangements at Haridwar and other nearby railway stations.In this regard, Mela Officer Sonika conducted a detailed inspection of Haridwar Railway Station, along with officials from the Mela administration and the Railways, to review the arrangements and assess the facilities proposed by the Railways for the Kumbh Mela.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: A special POCSO court in Prayagraj on Saturday directed the police to register an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Swami Mukundanand Giri in connection with allegations of sexual exploitation.ADJ (POCSO Act) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia ordered the FIR registration and a detailed investigation into the matter. The case will be registered at Jhunsi police station following the court’s directions. The application under Section 173(4) was filed by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, seeking strict action, news agency ANI reported. The move comes amid a backdrop of controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Last month, the seer claimed he was prevented from taking a ritual dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, leading him to stage an 11-day sit-in protest. Speaking to reporters in Varanasi, he said, “When I sat there for 11 days, no official asked me to take a dip. Now it is too late. I will go to the Magh Mela next year and take a respectful bath.”The seer had also urged Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’, calling it a measure of the government’s commitment as a “Hindu sympathiser.”The controversy traces back to January 18, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand, travelling in a palanquin to the Sangam for Mauni Amavasya, was asked by officials to dismount and proceed on foot due to heavy crowds. The Mela administration alleged that his supporters broke a barricade on a pontoon bridge, causing crowd management issues.Following the incident, the seer protested outside the Shankaracharya camp, demanding an apology and a dignified escort for the ritual bath. The administration also issued a notice questioning his use of the title of Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, citing a civil appeal pending before the Supreme Court.The row triggered political and administrative reactions. Prashant Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner in the Uttar Pradesh GST department, resigned citing moral reasons and Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri also stepped down, highlighting concerns over the alleged insult to the seer. The Congress party announced a campaign against the perceived insult, demanding that the state governor take suo motu cognisance.

Indian-American lawyer Neal Katyal

The Indian-American litigator Neal Katyal, who argued before the US Supreme Court against Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, praised his team as the “best legal team in the world” after the landmark ruling struck down the measures.His reaction came after the US Supreme Court handed Trump a stinging defeat by declaring his tariffs “illegal” and questioning the president’s authority to impose such sweeping trade duties without Congress.

In a post on X, the former acting US solicitor general, who served under the Barack Obama administration, Neal Katyal wrote, “I have the best legal team in the world. Brilliant lawyers & the kindest of souls. Lucky.”Earlier, Katyal welcomed the ruling as a major blow to Trump and described it as a “decisive victory” for constitutional governance and the separation of powers.Katyal serves as the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center, said the ruling was a sweeping endorsement of the arguments made in the case, which challenged what the plaintiffs described as unconstitutional taxation by the executive branch.In his earlier statement on X, he wrote, “Today, the US Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law and Americans everywhere. Its message was simple: Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. In America, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people. The US Supreme Court gave us everything we asked for in our legal case. Everything.”“I’m grateful for the leadership of the Liberty Justice Center, and in particular for the brilliant advocacy by its chair, Sara Albrecht, who led the fight when others wouldn’t and was dauntless in its defense of our constitutional order. I’m also grateful to the five small business owners who stood up against these unjust, unconstitutional taxes. By taking a stand, they have delivered crucial relief to tens of thousands of businesses and millions of consumers across the country,” the statement read further.“Finally, I lack the words to properly thank my brilliant Milbank team, especially Colleen Roh Sinzdak and Sami Ilagan, who worked with me day and night for many months to craft the winning argument. This case has always been about the presidency, not any one president. It has always been about separation of powers, and not the politics of the moment. I’m gratified to see our Supreme Court, which has been the bedrock of our government for 250 years, protect our most fundamental values,” the statement concluded.Katyal, a partner at global law firm Milbank LLP, has argued dozens of cases before the US Supreme Court and is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading constitutional lawyers. His work, both in academia and litigation, has focused on executive power, national security law, and constitutional checks and balances.The case, supported by the Liberty Justice Center and a group of small business owners, focused on whether the president could impose taxes without approval from Congress. By siding with the challengers, the Court reaffirmed that the power to levy taxes rests solely with Congress under Article I of the Constitution.In a 6–3 ruling on Friday, the apex court reviewed tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” duties Trump levied on nearly all countries. The justices held that his use of emergency authority to impose import tariffs without approval from Congress was unlawful.

Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) is attended to after being injured during the second period of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game between Canada and Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Team Canada can get a big push before the Olympic gold medal game with the head coach Jon Cooper giving a positive report on team captain Sidney Crosby. The former striker is already out with a lower-body injury, not playing in the semifinal, but showing prospects of a possible recovery to play in the final.The lack of Crosby could be experienced in the hard-earned semifinal victory of Canada, but the team still had to scratch out a win. Now, the question that everyone is asking is whether the longtime leader will take part and offer a timely boost to the sports on the biggest international platform, the hockey.

Jon Cooper updates Sidney Crosby’s Team Canada gold medal status

After the semifinal, Cooper said that Crosby had a better chance of playing in the final than in the semifinal. The coaches will look at how quickly he gets back to normal as a sign of his recovery and whether he can handle the intensity of the game.The men’s ice hockey team from Canada beat Finland in a physical game, but they didn’t play in their usual rhythmic way. It was clear that Crosby didn’t have the leadership skills or the ability to control the puck when it mattered.Crosby, who is the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is also an important part of what it means to be Canadian. He is very valuable because of his international experience and ability to handle stress, even when he is only deployed for a few hours.Canada is now ready to play the US men for the gold medal. The Olympic final will be interesting no matter what, even if Crosby isn’t there.Jon Cooper’s most recent comments have given Canadians hope as they wait for a final word on whether Sidney Crosby will be able to play in the Olympic gold medal game. The veteran forward is still healing from an injury to his lower body, but there are signs that he is making real progress. Canada’s semifinal performance showed that they can win without him, but Crosby’s experience and leadership could make a big difference against Team USA. Before the puck drops, the coaching staff will carefully weigh the pros and cons of long-term health against the chance to win Olympic gold.

Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir is rarely seen engaging with fans, but a heartwarming video of him interacting warmly during a practice session has gone viral on social media. In the clip, Gambhir is seen signing autographs, posing for selfies and sharing a light-hearted exchange with a supporter.While handing out an autograph, he jokingly said, “Arey yaar, aap har venue mein pahunch jaate ho, kaise manage karte ho itna sab? Kahaan rehte ho? Yahan par kahaan rehte ho?” — leaving those around him smiling.

The video has quickly gained traction online.Meanwhile, defending champions India, unbeaten in the group stage, will begin their Super 8 campaign against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.India had beaten South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados to lift the trophy. The upcoming clash will mark the sixth meeting between the two sides in the last two months, with familiarity adding another intriguing layer to the contest.Squads:India: Suyakumar Yadav (captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Sanju Samson (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh.South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde, Jason Smith.

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NEW DELHI: The government on Saturday said that India is closely “studying all developments and implications” of the US Supreme Court’s ruling striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs across the world.In its first statement, the ministry of commerce & industry said, “We have noted the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs yesterday. President Trump has also addressed a press conference in that regard. Some steps have been announced by the US administration.”“We are studying all these developments for their implications,” it added.The remarks come a day after the Supreme Court of the United States, in a 6–3 verdict, ruled that Trump’s sweeping global tariffs violated federal law. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, held that the tariffs exceeded the scope of the law.Following the setback, Trump termed the ruling a “terrible decision” and announced a new 10% global tariff “effective immediately.”Invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, Trump said he would sign an executive order imposing the additional levy.This provision allows the US president to impose a temporary import surcharge of up to 15% for 150 days to address balance-of-payments deficits.“Effective immediately, all the national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs remain in place… Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 over and above our normal tariffs already being charged,” Trump said.Trump also asserted that the India-US trade deal would remain unaffected.“Nothing changes, they’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs. So, the deal with India is they pay tariffs. This is a reversal for what it used to be,” said Trump.“I think Prime Minister Modi is a great gentleman, a great man, actually, but he was much smarter than the people that he was against in terms of the United States. He was ripping us off, India. So we made a deal with India, it’s a fair deal now, and we are not paying tariffs to them and they are paying tariffs. We did a little flip,” he added.However, when further asked whether India will have to pay a 10% tariff and whether it would replace previous tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a White House official said, “Yes, 10% until another authority is invoked.”